Push-Pull Connector Elastic Latching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional push-pull connectors face challenges in manufacturing cost, complexity, and security against high traction forces, with the latching mechanism being costly to produce and prone to unintended uncoupling under high pulling forces.

Innovation Solution

A push-pull connector design featuring an elastic latching member with a C-shaped support ring and chamfered latch protrusions, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement without complex machining, and resisting high pulling forces by incorporating translational and radial displacement components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional latching member with elastic cantilever beams is used, then the connector can achieve reliable latching engagement, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching engagement reliabilityVSAvoidlatching member complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching member is divided into multiple independent elastic cantilever beams (at least two) that can operate independently. Each beam has its own latch protrusion that engages with corresponding latching members on the complementary connector, distributing the latching function across multiple simpler elements rather than one complex element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single complex latching mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple simple elastic cantilever beams that work in parallel. The grip sleeve is inverted to have latch receiving orifices that actively guide and receive the latch protrusions, rather than the latching member actively seeking engagement points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional latching member with decentered force application is used, then the connector can achieve easy coupling, but the connector becomes prone to unintended uncoupling under high pulling forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling easeVSAvoidresistance to unintended uncoupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch receiving orifices in the grip sleeve are positioned and sized to preliminarily guide the latch protrusions during insertion. This preliminary guidance ensures that the latch protrusions engage correctly with the orifices before final coupling is achieved, preventing misalignment that could lead to unintended uncoupling under load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic cantilever beams provide dynamic response to applied forces. When high pulling forces are applied, the beams can flex elastically within their elastic limits, absorbing the force dynamically rather than creating rigid leverage that would pivot the latching member and cause uncoupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a grip sleeve with latch receiving orifices is used, then the connector achieves secure engagement against high pulling forces, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement securityVSAvoidgrip sleeve manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grip sleeve incorporates latch receiving orifices that can be formed as integrated features in the sleeve structure. The orifices are designed with appropriate dimensions and positions that can be achieved through standard molding or machining processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing the secure engagement function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design reduces manufacturing costs, enhances compactness, and provides enhanced security against inadvertent uncoupling, ensuring reliable connection even under high pulling forces.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic support ring configured to bias radially outwardly the plurality of latch protrusions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

resisting high pulling forces by incorporating translational and radial displacement components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4651317B1Push-pull connector

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 LEMO SA

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~4d

AI summary

Push-pull connector (1) comprising a housing, interconnection elements mounted within the housing, an outer casing (4), and a push-pull coupling mechanism comprising a grip sleeve (6) and an elastic latching member (7), the elastic latching member (7) comprising a plurality of latch protrusions (8) on an elastic support, the grip sleeve slidably mounted on the outer casing and configured to bias the plurality of latch protrusions into a disengaged position when the grip sleeve is pulled in an uncoupling direction, the grip sleeve comprising latch receiving orifices (18) receiving therethrough the corresponding latch protrusions (8). The elastic support is in the form of an elastic support ring (9) configured to bias elastically radially the plurality of protrusions (8) mounted on the elastic support ring, and in that the elastic support ring of the elastic latching member is positioned and elastically biased against an inner surface (24) of the grip sleeve (6).